A real celebration of Ukrainian song took place on the stage of the NPM “Ukraine” – a recital of the legendary songwriter Vadym Kryshchenko, dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the artist
On May 29, a recital of the world-famous songwriter Vadym Kryshchenko took place at the NPM “Ukraine”. The concert dedicated to Vadym Kryshchenko, who celebrated his 85th birthday last spring, was organized by the National Palace of Arts “Ukraine”. The event had been postponed since last year due to quarantine restrictions, and now, finally, the great celebration of Ukrainian song has taken place!
Kryshchenko is the author of more than 50 poetry collections and more than 1000 songs! Vadym Kryshchenko has worked in collaboration with such composers as Hennadii Tatarchenko, Oleksandr Zlotnyk, Ihor Poklad, Oleksandr Morozov, Pavlo Dvorsky, Volodymyr Domshynskyi and many others. Sofia Rotaru, Vasyl Zinkevych, Lilia Sandulesa, Ivo Bobul, the Hetman Quartet, Oksana Bilozir, Ivan Popovych, Pavlo Dvorsky, and many other Ukrainian singers have Vadym Kryshchenko’s songs in their repertoire. Dmytro Hnatiuk, Nazariy Yaremchuk, and Raisa Kyrychenko were unsurpassed performers of the poet’s songs… For many years, it has been considered a sign of quality to have songs with lyrics by Vadym Kryshchenko in your repertoire. Back at the beginning of the artist’s career, another legendary Ukrainian poet, Andriy Malyshko, spoke about Kryshchenko’s poetry: “Because all poems are like a song!”. Over the decades of cooperation, the poet has come to consider many artists as members of his family, and they consider him as their creative father.
The author’s most famous songs have been sung and will probably be sung wherever and whenever Ukrainian is spoken: “Let’s Pour, Brothers, the Crystal Chalices,” “One and Only,” “May You Be Happy, Good People,” “Family,” “The Ten Commandments of God,” “Prayer,” “May the Lord’s Power Save Everyone,” “Bless,” “Being a Ukrainian,” “Ukraine,” “Ukraine, Remember the Heroes,” “White Daffodils,” “The Shore of Love,” “Fatherland,” and “Swans of Love.” Most of these songs have long become folk songs, and many Ukrainian families can’t do without these hits. But the program of Vadym Kryshchenko’s benefit consisted not only of songs and numerous congratulations. That evening, Vadym Kryshchenko’s long, eventful life flashed on the big screens like a fascinating multi-part movie. The milestones of the poet’s life were accompanied by a wonderful entertainment by the host of the evening, Timur Miroshnichenko. The organizers of the celebration also prepared several surprises for the hero of the day. Irina’s sister joined in with congratulations and greetings via video link from the other side of the world – from faraway Los Angeles. And Vadym’s own nephew even recorded a music video with his family as a greeting on the anniversary. And also from distant Los Angeles…..
Throughout the evening, all the artists expressed their gratitude, wished him health and many more years of creativity, and during the final song, the touched jubilee thanked the artists, the audience, and the organizers: “I thank the heavens and the Palace of Arts “Ukraine” for the wonderful organization of such a holiday.” Supporting and organizing concerts of Ukrainian singers and artists is a long-standing tradition of the National Palace of Arts “Ukraine”. Such events are not profitable, but the Palace’s management and staff support Ukrainian traditions, artists, and culture in general. Even in the difficult times of the pandemic.
